A week filled with smiles, fun, friends, parties, and memories. From September 22 to 27, there are unique spirit days, delicious food vendors, and crazy activities at Sandburg. Homecoming week is a week where the students and staff come together to make the most out of the school year.

“School events like the ones offered during Homecoming Week are important because they bring the students together and overall just make school a more fun environment,” says Taylor Holtrop, a senior at Sandburg.

“Hoco Week” is special and unlike any other week here at Sandburg. “There’s different spirit days, so you get to dress up with different outfits which is always a fun time,” says Holtrop.

Homecoming Week at Sandburg, Monday started off strong with Pajama Day. Students came to the Dean’s courtyard to play bag games and ping pong. During lunch, they got to purchase a delicious Crave cookie.

Tuesday got competitive with Sports Day. There was a competition for the longest winning streak in the eSports contest during lunch hours to win a gift card. Students stopped by to take a picture in the photo booth with their friends, as well. 

Wednesday was Tropical Day, in which island vibes and dress were encouraged. Many students donated $1 or canned food for the Orland Food Pantry for a chance to dunk their favorite teachers! Chick-fil-a offered food in the commons. Additionally, Wednesday brought the student vs. staff volleyball game in Eagle Gym at 7pm where the theme was neon.“The students vs. staff game is always so funny and such a great way to enjoy my time here at Sandburg before my exciting last Homecoming Week is over,” says Holtrop.

Today, Thursday, is BBQ Dad or a Soccer Mom Day. Students enjoyed some free BBQ with Dr. Smith during lunch. They searched for one of the 5 hidden prizes in the scavenger hunt that were hidden throughout the school. The prizes ranged from free Homecoming tickets or $25 gift cards. Clues will be posted on instagram @cshstuco.

For the last day of Hoco week, come dressed in your grade’s color for Color Wars on Friday! Sit back and enjoy while watching the Class Olympic Assembly on the Football Field. Don’t stay at home for too long, though, because kickoff for the Homecoming Football Game is at 7:30pm.

“Everyone participates in the spirit days which makes going to school fun each day. The homecoming assembly is a great way for everyone to get together as well because everyone is watching the fun games and challenges competed,” says another Sandburg Senior, Olivia Laciak.

Additionally, Holtrop and Laciak talked highly about the Homecoming game. “My favorite part of homecoming week is the homecoming game because everybody shows up and it’s just a great environment,” says Holtrop. The girls describe the game as an event where the school is the closest. Everyone roots for the football team together as they yell special chants to show community within the school.

Everyone showing up to the game and other events/activities shows Sandburg school spirit. Both Holtrop and Laciak agree that the atmosphere is special and filled with school spirit during this week. Specifically, Holtrop describes how, “Everyone is happy to not be studying. It’s a time for everyone to relax and have fun instead of worrying about your test next period.” 

Then, the day that everyone has been waiting for will be on Saturday, September 27 from 7-10pm: The Homecoming Dance. The theme will be “City of Stars.”

The dance gives you an opportunity to dress up, dance, eat, hang out, and play games. If you look around school in the weeks leading up to Homecoming, you will see people getting asked to the dance with posters left and right.

In regards to bringing an outside guest to the Homecoming Dance, “Students will need to complete a guest form – these can be picked up in the Main Office or at the ticket table during lunch hours the week of Homecoming. Students will then bring the completed form back to the lunch tables to purchase both tickets (Sandburg student & guest) for $50 (tickets are $25 per person). Students bringing a guest should NOT use the online platform to buy any tickets!” says Ms.  Doe, the student council sponsor here at Sandburg.

When reminiscing about her own high school events experience, Doe stated that, “…as much as I enjoyed my time in the classroom and learning a lot from my teachers, I remember these types of events the most – dressing up for spirit days, going to the big games, taking pictures at the dances with friends.” 

Participating in this year’s Homecoming Week will create a fun and inviting atmosphere. Holtrop describes how “It helps you meet new people and have a better high school experience. It lets you enjoy your teenage years…Nobody’s going to judge you or remember what you wore for spirit week. So go all out, do the craziest costume you can find for spirit week and wear the prettiest dress on the shelf for homecoming. Don’t regret not participating in high school because you were scared to put yourself out there.” 

In agreement, Laciak states that, “It adds to the school spirit and helps everyone come together as one. It makes your high school experience so much more fun and exciting. It’s worth it, especially your freshman and senior year where you experience your firsts and lasts.” 

Mrs. Doe adds that “High school is a unique time in life – these types of events fade fast in adulthood! It’s fun to take advantage of these opportunities to create fun, memorable events and add some excitement to the school routine.”

It is important to put yourself out there so you can meet new people, make long lasting memories, and enjoy your high school years. Four years will be over in the blink of an eye, so don’t be scared to try new things. GO EAGLES!